Something is Rotten in the City of Stamford

A political controversy erupted in Stamford, CT this past summer. A long-serving local politician, Ms. Anabel Figueroa (D-8), had given several interviews to Spanish language news outlets in the run-up to a local primary election in which she expressed antisemitic views and peddled in antisemitic tropes. After being confronted with her statements, she eventually submitted her resignation to Stamford’s Board of Representatives. However, a few days later, she withdrew her resignation and went on the offensive to characterize those who have denounced her campaigning tactics as conspiring to get rid of her. She has since retained legal counsel, sued her former employer and continues to serve on the Board of Representatives. In the meantime, the Board of Representatives retained legal counsel of its own to advise it on how to proceed with her removal from office or other disciplinary measures.

Follows is what Ms. Figueroa should have said and can still say to hold herself accountable and to avoid the spectacle and the costs of this public process . . . but I am not holding my breath . . .

To the Stamford Community:

I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the hurt and divisiveness I’ve caused with my words and actions. I regret them without reservations. I have no excuses. My conduct and speech were unbecoming of an elected representative and in direct contradiction to my dedication as an elected official to making Stamford a diverse and vibrant city. I have lost your trust. No apology could take back the unacceptable language that peddled an antisemitic worldview. It cannot be forgotten. But I sincerely hope that it can be, in time, forgiven.

My defensiveness and the withdrawal of my resignation were unwarranted. They came from a place of shame and fear that my legacy of public service in my hometown has become overshadowed by my recent conduct. I am proud of everything that my colleagues on the Board of Representatives and I have accomplished to turn this city into a desirable destination for people from many walks of life to put down roots here and raise their families. Of course, we have our disagreements and do not see eye to eye on many issues, but, have no doubt, whether Democrat or Republican, Reform Stamford or not, all of us, work hard to make this city better every day. I hope that this is the legacy that remains in my wake – and the first step I must take to begin this process and to rebuild my reputation is to officially resign from my elected position with the Board of Representatives effective immediately.

In the coming months, I intend to take some time to reflect on this period of my life and to repair the relationships I have broken with my colleagues, friends, and constituents. I remain steadfastly committed to public service and will continue to devote my energies to ensuring that Stamford remains a city for all.